ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
We demonstrate that two distinct surface contributions to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy can be used to control the magnetic properties of thin films of bcc Fe1−xCox grown on GaAs (100) and Sc1−yEryAs (100). The bare GaAs (100) surface has twofold symmetry, and Fe1−xCox films grown directly on it show a strong uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Fourfold symmetry is restored in films grown on interlayers of Sc1−yEryAs, in which the rock-salt structure provides a fourfold symmetric surface. A uniaxial magnetic anisotropy can be induced in this case by miscutting the substrate towards a {111} plane, so that vicinal steps run along a 〈011〉 direction. A simple Néel pair-bonding model describes the evolution of the anisotropy with the degree of miscut. For miscut GaAs (100) surfaces without interlayers, both the intrinsic anisotropy originating from the surface bonding and a step-induced term contribute to the total magnetic anisotropy. Depending on the orientation of the miscut, the step contribution can either enhance or partially suppress the intrinsic uniaxial anisotropy. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1355320
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